jat1 bo1 saam1 zit3一波三折

Jyutpingjat1 bo1 saam1 zit3

Yaleyāt bō sāam jit

語句

Definition

Full of twists and turns; experiencing many setbacks and obstacles before completion.

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How it's used

This idiom describes a situation that encounters repeated obstacles or unexpected changes, making the process much longer or more difficult than anticipated. It is frequently used in professional or formal contexts to describe projects or negotiations that face constant setbacks. Despite its four-character structure, it is perfectly natural to use in spoken Cantonese when recounting a frustrating experience.

Examples

le1呢daan1單saang1生ji3意zan1真hai6係jat1一bo1波saam1三zit3折，gaau2搞zo2咗hou2好noi6耐sin1先cim1簽dou3到joek3約。

This business deal was really full of twists and turns, it took a long time to sign the contract.

nei5你go3個gai3計waak6劃hai6係mai6咪jat1一bo1波saam1三zit3折aa4呀？sai2使m4唔sai2使ngo5我bong1幫sau2手？

Is your plan hitting a lot of snags? Do you need my help?

Common phrases

gwo3過cing4程jat1一bo1波saam1三zit3折

the process was full of twists and turns

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a literal description of physical waves or folding, but it is strictly used to describe abstract processes or events. Avoid using it to describe simple, minor inconveniences, as it implies a series of significant hurdles.